Kays Creek Parkway

Kay’s Creek Parkway is a paved trail that travels through a natural landscape. It is hidden in a canyon in the eastern neighborhoods of Layton, Utah. The trail offers a variety of route options. Several neighborhoods have access points, and one trailhead with parking near the center of the trail. Interpretive signage along the trail highlights the native plants and wildlife of the area. The lower trail is mostly flat and good for hikers of all abilities, while the upper end near Hobbs Reservoir is quite steep, making it unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Trailhead

Kay’s Creek Parkway can be accessed from several neighborhood access points. The main trailhead and parking area is the Adam J. Welker trailhead located at 2700 N. 2125 E. in Layton, UT (41.097777, -111.928136):

The Hike

From the parking area at the Adam J. Welker trailhead, begin walking in either direction. Heading west down the canyon provides the easiest walk. Continue through the grassy field where the trail intersects with the Sunset Drive access point and a small loop. Choose either side of the loop and continue west. Soon the loop reconnects as the trail passes by a large meadow before ending at the lower trailhead on Hidden Hollow Drive.

East of the Adam J. Welker trailhead, the trail climbs slowly before arriving at a junction (41.098885, -111.923150). The trail to the left climbs a steep slope to the Canyon View trailhead. The trail to the right continues up the canyon into a forest to the base of the Hobbs Reservoir dam before climbing to the Oak Forest trailhead on the south side of the canyon.

Near the top of either trail, Hobbs Reservoir becomes visible below. Hobbs Reservoir is on private property; however, fishing is allowed with a walk-in access permit in cooperation with the property owner and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Walk-in access permits are available online or at a registration box near the reservoir.

Due to the numerous possible access points, total walking distance may vary. The total length of all of the paved paths through Kay’s Creek Parkway is approximately 4.5 miles one-way.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs allowed on leash.

Clean up after pets.

No littering.

Open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

No smoking or alcohol.

Speed limit is 10 mph.

Special Considerations

During warm weather, mosquitoes and other biting insects may be a nuisance. Wear long sleeves and pants and/or bug repellent if necessary.